While those strange tears had long since dried, Shift's body still greeted him with plenty of pain the next morning. No matter how excited this day made him feel, with its promise of new beginnings, hardship wasn't something he could just buried away. In some form or another, it would always be there - whether as scars on his body or compulsions in his thoughts. Still, he wasn't going to waste the day in bed; there was plenty of planning and packing to do.

Slowly stretching himself out, preparing his muscles for the task ahead, there was a light groan as Shift pushed off his back, finally sitting upright and setting his sights on the room door. Once he crossed through it, what would be waiting on the other side? His memories of last night were scattered, at best, but the final moments kept playing in his mind. Of when he finally caught up with Lucas and asked that simple question; how he felt those seconds before passing out.

Seeing as he was back in the cabin, he knew Lucas had carried him in. It seemed that despite promises to repay Lucas, Shift was really making him work for it. Letting out a strained laugh, he rose from the bed and pulled through the door, briefly shielding his eyes as they adjusted to daylight. Clearly, he'd slept longer than usual, but as things came into focus, he began looking for Lucas, wondering how he was holding up.

With a disgruntled groan, Lucas rolled off the bed. Landing hard on the floor.Ahh yes...His usual morning routine. Ahh, how he missed it.He rubbed at his crusted eyes, mind struggling (and failing) to start working. As you could tell, Mornings were not his thing."Hnnnn..."He got up, his muscles stiff. The events previous to this morning were blurry, only promising to be unlocked if he worked hard to get his brain functioning. Too bad he didn't have the mental willpower for that.As he went through the motions of him getting ready, which consisted of him standing for a solid minute staring at the wall, and running a hand through his tangled hair.He'd get ready after he ate.

Lucas walked out of his room, and instead of letting his eyes adjust to the light like a sensible person, he opted to go blind. Closing his eyes and walk blindly."Too bright."He mumbled to himself, rubbing at the drool stain on his cheek. Lucas didn't have time to realize Shift was in the room until after he'd stubbed his foot on the table leg, eliciting an array of colorful words. As if a delightful rainbow decided to appear in the room.

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_________________

"You have only one life, and it's up to you to make it the best life you can."

Shift had hardly begun walking the room when he heard footsteps close behind. Turning around, he saw Lucas blindly approaching the table, a lethargic look painted across his face. But just as Shift prepared to call out, Lucas flipped a switch. In the span of a few seconds, the sleepy soul transformed into a livid demon, slinging curses through the room without mercy. Normally, Shift was unfazed by such things, simply using such outbursts to assess someone, but given the greeting he'd envisioned, and his growing investment in their meetings, it was quite the opposite. Processing it all in silence, partly convinced some of those words weren't English, Shift stood there with an uncomfortable look. By the time Lucas regained some composure and met his gaze, it was all Shift could do to give an awkward laugh, "Hehe...good morning?"

Lucas stared at Shift with a blank stare, toe throbbing as his mind worked furiously to catch him up to speed. Nothing like good-ol embarrassment to wake him up."A-Ah, You were...G-Good morning."It would be ok if he was only blushing, but he liked to do things all the way...Going as red as tomato while his face radiated heat. There was no getting out of it, the only thing he wished for was the earth to swallow him whole. He winced internally, the memory being seared forever in his mind. Ready to appear whenever he was bored.

"Haha, my bad."His laugh was a little strained, but he managed to play if off pretty well. Smoothing his ruffled hair, Lucas rubbed the back of his neck before deciding to shift the attention elsewhere. Food.When in doubt, food is always the right path."You hungry?"

_________________

"You have only one life, and it's up to you to make it the best life you can."

Even the most flushed drunk couldn't compare to the red Lucas turned in that moment. Internally laughing his heart out, Shift kept a simple smile as Lucas smoothed things over and moved them into more tasteful talk. Food hadn't been on his mind, far too consumed by other interests to remember it was something he needed. But as if answering for him, and betraying his personal wishes, his stomach rumbled with an almost tangible force. Nearly blushing a bit himself, Shift scratched his head before answering, "I guess so." After thinking on it for a moment though, he was struck with inspiration, excitement clear in his voice. "I've got it! Since we're low on food here, how about we find something in town? You said food's the one thing they do well, right? We can get a good meal and start preparing for our travels!"

Lucas's face lit up brighter than a Christmas tree, eyes wide and mouth agape."Y-You really meant it? YES!"He pumped his fist in the air, body struggling to contain his excitement."I uh...Gotta get ready!"Lucas bounded to his room, skidding across the floor in his mad dash.

It took longer than he expected, but he came out 5 minutes later. Completely dressed with a small trunk in hand. What else did you need besides the essentials; Eight pairs of gloves, two shirts and two pants, underwear, comb, money, and his journal." I'm ready to leave right now!"

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_________________

"You have only one life, and it's up to you to make it the best life you can."

"Hehehe. Glad to see you're as excited as I am," Shift laughed. "I'm gonna ge-." Before he could finish his next thought, Lucas was already back in his room, the sound of passionate packing filling the air. Taking a seat at the kitchen table, Shift realized it was best to wait for his return, if he left to ready the horses now, and Lucas returned to an empty room, no amount of apologizing would make up for it.

Letting his eyes wander about, seeing old sights in broad daylight, they eventually settled on a stack of plates. Something about them stirred in his thoughts, and thinking back to last night, he recalled Lucas's playful teasing for having broken one. At least, he though it was playful. But the more he thought about it, the stranger it seemed to bring that up; especially after they'd been attacked by some unknown creature. Perhaps expecting apathy was a fault of Shift's, and not an expected default for others. After all, even he was feeling emotions more strongly than usual. How long that would last was anyone's guess, but he'd hold onto it for as long as he could.

As that thought raced by, he glanced up to see Lucas emerge from his room, all packed up and ready to go. Without missing a beat, Shift stood up and met his energy head-on. "Let's get going then. To breakfast, and the open road!"

"WHOO!"And with a cheer, Lucas barreled out of his house, nearly knocking his door over in the process.Every fiber of his being quivered with excitement, excitement pouring out of him like lava out a volcano. It was then something stuck him. A thin dart slicing through the haze of happiness.What...What was he doing? Leaving something he worked so hard to get to follow a dream? Something that had been in his thoughts for just sometime.His prance to the horses slowed down, chewing hard on his lip.Did he really want to leave? He had everything he ever needed here. Everything he could ever think of having. Yet there was something missing, a hole in his chest that seemed impossible to fill no matter what he did.So he supposed he was leaving for a chance to fill that hole. Something he couldn't have done if he stayed here."Well...heh. No turning back!"And with that, he continued his run to the horses. Excitement back to his eyes and face.

It didn't take long to throw his trunk into the wagon, turning to look at Shift with a giddy expression.

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_________________

"You have only one life, and it's up to you to make it the best life you can."

By the time Shift caught up to Lucas, now keeping him in sight, that brief pause was already past. As the stable came into view, he watched Lucas find space and comfort quite readily in the wagon, to the point where he actually envied his wanderlust. How much easier would his travels be if he actually valued each piece of the journey?

Mulling over that thought, he entered the stable with a curious smile. As Lucas took a seat, Shift began greeting the horses, as he always did before setting off or settling down. But once he got close enough, a quizzical look painted his face. They were shaking, and more than a spot of hunger would warrant. Resting his hands on their heads, giving them a soft rub and assurance, the bulk of their panic seemed to fade. This experience wasn't unusual, in fact, it often happened after being attacked; but having survived this long with Shift, his presence was all they needed to feel safe again. Quickly piecing things together, he realized they'd been frightened from the events of last night, and a hint of worry spilled onto his face as he remembered the damage it did, and how he hadn't actually beaten it. He needed to protect these two, and even though he'd proven his grit, the same went for Lucas.

Without wasting too much time, Shift slipped away from them and right into his seat - something he'd clearly done countless times. Looking over to Lucas, he offered a well practiced smile, promptly guiding attention and energy into his call, "Off we go!" With a flick of the wrist, the wagon creaked to life, rolling down the dirt path, and through the beauty of Lucas's home, one last time.

As Lucas sat on the wagon, watching Shift pet the horses (something he assumed was a daily thing) a lump rose in his throat.The lump seeming to grow the farther they moved from his home. Light flashed across his face as the sun rose over the tree tops, and it would normally bother him...But it was different. The otherwise annoying occurrence was making him homesick. A feeling he thought he wouldn't feel until he was a ways away.

He fought the feeling of looking back, knowing that if he did he might not be able to leave." What are their names?"Lucas gestured to the horses, smile somewhat dimmer. It was a poor attempt at small talk, but anything was better that the feeling creeping up his throat.

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_________________

"You have only one life, and it's up to you to make it the best life you can."

While homesickness was something foreign to Shift, the drop in Lucas's energy was hard to miss. As they passed under the canopy of trees, enjoying a brief spot of shade, Shift tilted his head skyward, pondering the question with a low murmur. "Not sure what their original owners called them, but I guess they've been with me long enough that it doesn't matter. The jet black stallion, keeping a white mane, is Dusk. The pure white stallion, carrying a black mane, is Dawn. We've seen plenty of both on our travels, and just like their namesakes, these two have kept going. Just like me...," Shift trailed on. Turning calmly to Lucas, his eyes and smile were more relaxed, yet somehow reflective. But before that feeling could fully take form, trapping them all in the past, Shift continued on, "And now we've got a new companion! Someone to share all those sights and journeys with." As those words claimed the air, one both bittersweet and hopeful, Shift extended his hand, just as he had when they first met, "Welcome aboard, Lucas. Let's make the most of it!"

Lucas held a somber expression, listening intently to Shift's answer. Dawn and Dusk... A well thought out name; something Shift was likely to do. He would probably name them something like Lightning and Thunder...Just because it sounded cool."Ahh...Nice. Symbolic."

As Shift turned to him, hand extended, Lucas found the gesture touching. Like Shift was trying to make him feel better."Haha, this will be the adventure of a lifetime!"The feeling long forgotten, Lucas beamed and gripped his hand in a strong handshake. "There are some really good places to get food, I'd recommend we stop at Johns first. There's this huuuuggeee sign on his doorway."He gestured widely, nearly smacking Shift in the process.

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_________________

"You have only one life, and it's up to you to make it the best life you can."

Largely on instinct, Shift leaned an extra inch away from Lucas's arching arms, laughing heartily as they whirled by. It seemed even simple tasks, like getting a meal, had much to gain from his enthusiasm. Perhaps Shift did, too. Of all the hosts and clients he'd parted ways with, few offered more than customary thanks, hoping to keep good relations for future benefits. In many ways, he'd adopted the practice, but at the very least, it seemed far behind on this carefree carriage ride, all the pretense and peril of the world he knew.

As the dirt path reached its end, sunlight shining down, and Lucas's declaration fresh in the air, Shift smiled while his eyes tried to adjust. "You point the way, and I'll get us there!"

Lucas held a hand over his eyes, resting his arm comfortably on his knee. The sun that once felt like a warm blanket, encompassing his body, quickly began to bear down on his back. As if his skin was wrapped in tin and he was slowly being cooked from the inside. Ahh... It was one of those days.The sleepy town was beginning to wake up, kids already running around while their mothers chastened them for being in the street. A few townsfolk walked by, giving a few quizzical looks at Lucas- presumably confused as to why he was with a stranger- but no questions were asked. Whatever they were going to being more important their own curiosity."It's right up here."

True to his word, a huge sign was able to be seen a few yards down the road. And much like the night before, Lucas jumped into the back of the wagon, grabbed his bag of money, and flew out of the cart in one fluid motion. The excitement had seemingly gotten the best of him, stumbling before regaining his footing and running up next to Shift. He'd have more practice doing that later." I'll pay!"

_________________

"You have only one life, and it's up to you to make it the best life you can."

Much as Shift wanted to treat his new companion, it seemed wrong to deny Lucas the chance; especially with how eager he was. Perhaps it wasn't so surprising. After all, this was his town, and, technically, the start of their travels. Best to let him lead the outing however he wished. Besides, once they left this town, Shift would have enough opportunities to take the lead; navigating the open road wasn't always so simple or pleasant.

Looking up at Lucas, he gave a quick chuckle, "I'll get the next one, then." Locking his eyes back on the road, he took in the sight of children running through the streets and shops slowly setting up for the day. It seemed that they'd rolled in just in time to rush the stores.

The sign Lucas mentioned was painfully hard to miss. As a man, who Shift presumed was John, disappeared into the entrance, he found himself wondering how well the reputation and bravado matched the product. "You really weren't joking about that sign," Shift marveled. "It's...certainly big enough. If the servings follow suit, we won't be hungry til the next city!"

Pulling up to a clearing, just between a food stand and John's, Shift brought the carriage to a steady halt. Attaching a pouch to his side, he hopped off the vehicle and tied it in place. "I'm gonna grab some food for our lifelines," he said, gesturing to the nearby merchant, "Just give me a minute to secure it."

Lucas watched as Shift moved over to the food stand, probably haggling or negotiating to get the most with what he had. It had become clear to him, who was the detailed one...And who wasn't. He probably wouldn't remember that they needed food until it was too late."Ahh...Smart!"

As he made his way into the tavern, the warm aroma of food snaking its way lazily in the air. The owner, John, made his way towards Lucas. John was a family man, but sure knew how to have a good time. With rosy red cheeks and a wide girth, John was the type of guy that loved to give hugs and help others out when needed. "Lucus!"His voice was booming and before he knew it, Lucas was pulled into a back-breaking hug. Air whisked out of his lungs. "I...C-Can't breathe.""Oops, my bad."John stepped back with a sheepish look at Lucas held his stomach and leaned over. Taking in large amounts of air. He assumed he would've stopped by now...Or he would've at least gotten used to it...No such luck.

Once he had regained his composure...And his breath...Lucas pulled out a handful of coins. Slamming them down on the table next to him."I have a friend, and we're looking for the best breakfast known to man! Give us the best you got!"

That was all John needed to hear before he rushed into the kitchen. Shouting orders at the workers there.

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"You have only one life, and it's up to you to make it the best life you can."

In no less than three minutes, Shift wandered through the restaurant's doors with a trickle of sweat running down his face. Making his way across the room, filled with only the sound and scent of cooking, Shift fell into a seat across from Lucas. Promptly wiping his temples, and letting out a short sigh, he was relieved to see that he hadn't missed the meal. Quick as he knew he was, - bartering, loading, and preparing the feed - it was unusual to have someone waiting on him, and he couldn't help but hurry along. "Well, that took longer than expected, but Dawn and Dusk are enjoying their breakfast now, so there's nothing stopping us from enjoying ours."

Taking a steady breath as he paused, Shift let his mind settle after pushing through the last chore. The air carried delectable scents from the nearby kitchen to his empty stomach. Despite all the excitement and energy that came with finding a companion, this weightless aroma hit hard. Shift had now gone three days without a real meal. All the towns leading here seemed to be visited by some sort of hardship, its people struggling to get by. Fortunately, that pattern seemed to end here...at least for now. With those harrowing images floating further and further away, Shift allowed himself to bask in the ambiance of 'John's' with little worry. "It smells amazing in here," he thought out loud. "Seems like you picked some real winners."

Lucas was about to reply, when John showed up behind Shift. You'd suppose that such a big man would make more noise, but John tended to scare people by sneaking up behind them. Even if he didn't mean it.Clapping his hand down on Shift's shoulder, John let out a boisterous laugh. Shaking Shift with each inhale and exhale."Why, you must be Lucas's friend! I like you already."

Lucas smiled up at John, rubbing the back of his neck. A tad bit embarrassed by him."Sorry"He mouthed, giving John a rather pointed look. Which John-like always-missed.

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_________________

"You have only one life, and it's up to you to make it the best life you can."

The moment John's hands landed on Shift's shoulders, he straightened up with a start. Between his wandering mind and exhaustion, the sudden touch clearly shook Shift, though he did his best to hide it. There hadn't been time to process what was happening when he heard a hearty laugh echo out from behind him. At the very least, any suspicion of danger quickly vanished.

As the loud voice associated him with Lucas, who seemed fairly at ease, Shift turned around to face the man - still trying to retrieve his original composure. When he finally laid eyes on John, he found it easier to relax his guard. The large man was smiling without any hesitation, and by all indications that seemed true of all his actions. Managing a small, if not awkward, smile, Shift mustered out a response, "Hehe...That's awfully kind of you. My name's Shift. Who might you be?"

John squeezed his shoulder before letting go, hands resting naturally on his hips."I'm John! I'm the owner of this place. Isn't it great?!"Lucas sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. He couldn't stop the smile that came to his face. Now Shift was going to have to listen to a long story about how he started his business and-

"Let me tell you a story! When I was fourteen I really wanted to be an..."His voice trailed on, Lucas mumbling the memorized words to himself.

After Lucas had gotten enough of the story...Even if it was only a minute into it...He decided to speak up. Pointing to the kitchen."Hey, I think the foods done."John stopped mid speech, spinning around to run to the kitchen. Luckily he was easily distracted."Heh, sorry."Lucas mumbled sheepishly, laughing to himself.

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_________________

"You have only one life, and it's up to you to make it the best life you can."

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